EU Explains Protocol for Nations to Ban GMOs

(CN) – France erred in its ban on genetically altered corn, the European Union’s high court ruled, clarifying the means by which member states can invoke a safeguard clause against cultivation of genetically modified organisms. Agricultural giant Monsanto had sought review after France banned a type of genetically modified corn used in animal feed. The EU authorized the corn, which contains genes modified to combat a corn parasite, in 1998. Under EU rules, authorization for the corn expired in 2007. By the next year, France invoked a “safeguard clause” preventing cultivation of the maize within its borders. Monsanto, meanwhile, has applied for renewal of authorization, which is still pending. The Luxembourg-based Court of Justice ruled that cultivation of a GMO authorized as an existing product and pending renewal may not be suspended under a 2001 EU directive that applies to all GMOs. France had used this directive for its ban. Member states may, however, invoke the safeguard clause under a 2003 directive related to GMOs for human or animal consumption. But this may be done only through a specific procedure, the court said. Member states must officially inform the European Commission as quickly as possible, the court’s ruling said. Most importantly, they must establish a link between the GMO crop and “serious” risk, in a complete scientific evaluation involving the European Food Safety Authority, the court continued. Such a risk assessment may be based on the precautionary principle, the court concluded. French authorities have said they will start a new process to invoke the clause, if necessary. Six other member states – Austria, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Germany and Luxembourg – currently ban the cultivation of genetically altered crops. Under the new court ruling, it would be up to them to establish a link of risk to human or animal health, or to the environment.